Last night I was on on facebook on one of my favorite group, showit’s page talking to the wonderful people. Of course, lovely Elizabeth had to mention about her ice cream on a post, and there you go. All I could see in front of my eyes was a bowl of chocolate ice cream with hot fudge. I mean it was 9 at night for crying out loud, and I tried my best to convice myself from not getting one. What do you think happend? I rememberd my cousin posting this on facebook.

FYI, I am not fat at all, but it gave me more confidence, and I made my trip to Dairy Queen that’s about a block away. I got hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge on a Monday night! Score!

Can’t believe winter is over especially in AZ winter doesn’t last long enough. It’s already in the high 80s here. Actually, it was hot in January too for a few days, and in February. The exciting part is, another excuse for shopping. Yes, I need spring clothes. Bright, colorful, cheerful colored dresses, flipflops,  new scarfs for warmer days, and probably some accessories to go with each look.

One of my goals for the 2012 was to get a new macro lens, and it’s DONE! It’s a Nikon 60mm f/2.8.   If you’ve never used a macro lens then get ready for a huge surprise. I really struggled, and still struggling a bit with the perfect focus. Thanks to my friends Kristine Ko, and Jamie Y, now I know that I can’t shoot wide open with a macro lens, and shooting with a high f stop has helped a lot. Also, having the perfect lighting is essestial too. Here’s a shot with my macro lens, my baby.

 

My mom’s been asking me to take her to Vegas for a really long time. I am really not a Vegas person, but finally I gave in. Couldn’t plan a trip anywhere else, so, Vegas seemed like the perfect option right now. And there were so many malls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed the malls, and shopping there which was not on my list of things that I wanted to do there. FYI, I didn’t only did window shopping at these stores, and enjoyed all the pampering that I’ve received while window shopping. I actually almost bought a hat at Tory Burtch and I don’t even wear a hat. My mom was able to stop me from purchasing it. I still can’t stop thinking about it. And Versace’s one of the latest purses was beyond amazing. It was simpy GORGEOUS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Someday I will enjoy a real gondola ride with someone. I feel good now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a million blurry photos, finally, a non blurry one.

 

 

Drove through the scnenic drive of Red Rock Park. It’s a beautiful place no doubt, but since I’ve seen enough red rocks and soil in AZ, I wasn’t too thrilled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peek a Boo! Here I am again!

 

 

 

 

 

Remember one of my goals was to lose weight? You won’t believe this. I am actually gaining more. I know, right?!? Starbucks is killing me.

These photos were taken when I was 18, a few years back. Ok. I am kidding, but a few years ago. Even if I can’t be like that, I should be able to fit into something smaller, right? Readers, please hold me accountable. If anyone has the same goal as I go, let’s get together for a coffee. Ok, kidding again. No starbucks. Only my tea at home with milk.

Raise your hand if you open up your closet in the morning, and stare for 10 minutes thinking what should I wear today. I do! Love pinterest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, by now you might know how passionate I am about teaching, and photography. When I grew up in the early 2000… ok kidding. When I grew up, if my grades were bad, my parents and other parents used to get angry or upset with their own kids. Now, many parents go to the teachers and blame the teacher for it. 99% of my parents this year are AMAZING! They are very supportive, thank me from the bottom of their heart. I am really grateful for that, but I see other teachers going through the same problem I did last year as a teacher. I had a student yell at me in front of her mother, and the mother backed her up. It really hurts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am going to say it again, we are underpaid, don’t have enough resources, work 7 days a week, at least 8 -10 hours a day. It’s impossible to continue teaching without a passion for it. We really do care about out students. So, please show some appreciation for teachers in your community. Think about your own teachers, the difference that they made in YOUR life.

Now back to pinterest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hmm… even I am waiting to see how my story unfolds.

Rich and my brother Adnan are like BFFs. Adnan always talked about how fun Rich is, how wonderful he is, what a great buddy he is and so on. Finally, I got to meet him and his wonderful girlfriend, and I am truly glad I did. They are one of the most fun couples I’ve ever met. Look at these photos. We had a blast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They were so gorgeous that we ended up causing a traffic, and passerbys asked us if they were stars. I am not kidding. a lady asked if she was a model and another person asked if they were stars. Adnan and I felt amazing as the paparazzis, and Lady Gaga started singing in my head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t sure which one to pick so I tried a black and white and a color one. Please let me know which one you prefer. If neither then feel free to send me a message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a photographer, I don’t like the next photo because of the lighting, however, I love how in love these two are. Look at them. Priceless.

 

 

 

 

I am a firm believer of token economy. It means that my students get tickets for their positive behavior, and lose tickets for negative behavior. Then they can buy “wonderful things” at the classroom store. I do spend a lot of money, AND sometimes confiscated items from other students can end up in the store. One of my boy had a few items taken away in the past, and before you feel bad, let me give you a piece of advice here as an experienced teacher, if you say you’ll do something or take something away, please do it otherwise kids won’t take you seriously. This boy was warned a few times to quit playing with different things, and he refused to follow direction, and my last warning was, “If I take it away from you now then it will be in the classroom store.” and Voila!

Back to the original story. Last week, this boy was upset because 3 of his things were in the store, and he didn’t earn enough tickets/money to buy anything. My very special, wonderful autistic student M used all his tickets to buy a couple items that used to belong to this boy J. Then M went to J, and asked, “J, do you want your things back? I bought these for you.” I couldn’t stop my tears from coming out even though I tried. Can you believe this? J’s face lit up instantly, and couldn’t believe what M did. Every single student was standing there speechless. How selfless is that? I told J how lucky he was because he has a friend like M, and you know what? J gave M one of this favorite bead necklace that he was hiding in his pocket because M was so sweet to him. MJ are best friends now, and now I know how mothers feel when their kids help each other out, get along, and bond. I am so glad I have these boys in my class.

If you are a brand new into professional photography, or are thinking about becoming a professional photographer then I highly recommend Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. I really wish I read this book at the beginning of my photography career, and since I don’t want you to miss out on this great book, I am telling you, “Go you read it. You’ll love it.”

Once I started reading this book, I just couldn’t stop myself from finishing it. And this was the FIRST non fiction that I ever enjoyed AND finished. Can you believe that? Now that I am done with the book, and thinking about what I read, here are somethings that I took away from the book.

* Dane Sanders talks about how he eneterd the photography world at the age of 31, and felt so disadvantaged; however, look at him now. Less than 10 years later, he’s THE Dane Sanders. He’s one of the person that totally changed how I view photography business, how I deal with different parts of this industry now.

* Wedding photography cannot be outsourced to another country like many other businesses, and rain or shine, people always get married.

* Don’t be a grumpy if you want to survive in this industry. Be true to yourself, and have an open mind. Knowing how to take great pictures isn’t eveything. A positive and helpful attitude is extremely important.

* Don’t copy others. He used Mike Colon as a fantastic example. Mike charges over $20,000 for a wedding now, but he made it happen for himself, but copying Mike’s strategies won’t garuntee you the same success that he has. You have to create your “own adventure”.

* Focus more on your stregnths rather than spending your time on fixing your weaknesses.

* Last but not least, take the pDNA assessment that comes with it.

Now I am waiting for my copy of Fast Trach Photographer Business Plan.

It’s been awhile since the last time I’ve checked the progress on my goals. It’s about time. Let’s see how I am doing. I haven’t fulfilled my first 4 goals. I am trying my best with #2, however, I think I can do even better by blogging more often.

I did buy 2 pairs of shoes/sandals, but these are flats. I still need a pair to help me feel taller.

I forgot to mention on my last post that I met goal #7 ! Woohoo! I met a lot of showiteers; however, there are a lot of others that I didn’t get to say hello to.

I am proud to say that I did get a new pair of glasses.

 

 

Which means, goal #8, Check !

Goal #9, check! I bought a pair of nike flip flops, and these are pretty comfortable.

Goal #30 will be completed soon. I’ve booked 5 second shooting gigs already. Super excited !

I really think I need to do better. As I was reading my goals again, I realized that there were quite a few goals that I should’ve made a part of my daily life. I need to work harder and stay focused.

My goal #5 for the year 2012 was to attend WPPI. Well, I did go to Vegas, but ended up attending only ShowitUnited. ShowitUnited was also held during the week of WPPI at MGM, organized by our favorite showit. Showit not only has a wonderful way to create website, but it also has created a community of very helpful, giving and great photographers across the globe. I am so glad I attended Showit United. Some of the highlights were,

* A lot of us were picked up at the airport by the showit crew, and you know what? We got to enjoy the PASS bus. Yes!! It was superb!

* I met so many beautiful showiteers that I’d been talking to only online or via skype. It was hard not to dance around for 2 days.

* I met Julie Story!! Finally, I met her, and our friendship only became better.

* I met Jasmine Star. OMG!

* I was starstruck there. I saw Jerry Ghionis, and met Zack and Jody Gray!

* I’ve learned a lot. Even though showit classes were only 45 minutes, they were free for us and were loaded with wonderful information.

* I won a live website design critique, and Kevin Sturm gave me that wonderful news the moment I stepped into the hotel. I literally screamed, “I won something!! OMG!” I did get a lot of stare.

* The ladies that did my critique were Rachel and Kara from Earl&Layne. I’ve been a huge fan of their designs for awhile, so this was a blessing. And they are from Phoenix. Rachel and I used to live only about a block away from each other.

* I went to bed every night at 10. I know, it’s Vegas, right? But that’s fine. I learned and enjoyed those 2 days in Vegas. I can’t wait to go back next year, and you what? This time I will be there for more than 2 days.

* I wish I could do the flash mob, and attend 5 minute fuel. Bummer.

I know I look huge in the first pic with Jasmine, but that’s because she’s really skinny. I am not big. Julie gave me that beautiful ring. Love her. Candice Wright was one of my roomies, and we had so much fun together just sitting on the couch, and talking. And last but not least, slot machines everywhere at the airport.